Nomination now open for Datu Bago awards

THE Datu Bago Awards Foundation, chaired by Councilor Pilar Braga, has officially opened the two-month nomination period for next set of awardees for 2013.

Braga, in her privilege speech Tuesday, urged Dabawenyos to nominate someone who have an outstanding contribution to Davao City’s development and progress.

The nomination period officially opened on Tuesday and will run until November 30.

"All are welcome whom you think are qualified to be nominated for the award," Braga said.

Datu Bago Awards is the most prestigious award conferred to Dabawenyos had significant contributions to the city’s overall development and success. The award is given annually and the awarding ceremony will be one of the highlight events of Araw ng Dabaw celebration in March.

The award is conferred to Dabawenyos who reside in the city for at least 10 years and have served as a model of excellence and an inspiration to the Dabawenyos and for demonstrating exemplary competence and dedication to help achieve city's development.

This year's awardees are Dulce Saavedra, Enrica Ongchua Babao, and Linda Coronel Tesoro. Both Saavedra and Babao are educators while Tesoro is an entrepreneur and the first women firefighter in the country to receive the highest award given to firefighters.

Deserving Dabawenyos who are either alive or have passed away can be nominated for the award.

Datu Bago is an award in recognition to Datu Bago who is one of the bravest head of the chieftains who fought for Davao against the troupes of Spanish colonizers in 1940s.

Interested parties mat get the nomination form at the office of Braga at the second floor of the City Council. (Jereco O. Paloma)